Separable fastener



April 14, 1925.

F. O. BERG SEPARABLE FASTENER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 26. 1924 INVENTOR ,Ziefierdk 0, Berg nllllllllllllullllllllll|| Ill Ill-lllll I All I ATTORNEY April 14, 1925.

F. O. BERG SEPARABLE FASTENER Filed July 26. 1924 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 .llll ll-llllllk-ll.

l ll .I A 4 J az a INVENTOR flak-2921b} 0. Ber-y a( W 6 ATTORNEY Patented Apr. 14, 1925.

UNITED STATES FREDERICK 0. BER-G, 0F SPOKANE, WASHINGTON.

SEPARABLE FASTEKER.

Application filed July 26,

To all whom it may 00-21mm:

Be it known that I, FREDERICK O. BERQ, a citizen of the United States, residing at Spokane, in the county. of Spokane" and State of ashington, have invented new and useful Improvements in Separable F astcners, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in devices for facilitating the opening and closing of companion flaps of tents, over-shoes, sleeping car curtains or other flexible structures wherein the companion flaps have beaded edges. My invent-ion resides in the combinations claimed and in the article of manufacture. v

Devices of this general class involve a series of runners in sliding connection with beaded edges of flaps or curtains, together with a closure strip secured to the runners and adapted to closethe space between the beaded edges. Heretofore, trouble has been encountered because of the runners getting out of true positions and therefore binding and wedging instead of sliding freely. This binding action of the runners not only interfered with a free and unrestrained opening and closing of the flaps, but also was objectionable because of injurious wearin action of the binding runners on the fabric of the flaps.

Now it is one of the objects of this invention to provide runners of this type with anti-friction portions arranged and constructed to coact with the beaded edges in a manner to permit the runners to slide not only freely, but also, to prevent wear on the fabric.

A further object is to provide an improved structure whereby therunner will extend between the fabric of the flaps and the strip in such a manner as to eliminate friction therebetween.

A further object is to provide the runners! with leverage ends which not only project laterally of the girdles sufficiently to afford leverage, but which are preferably secured. to the closure strip at their endmost portions whereby a pull on the closure strip will act to hold the runners in substantially accurate transverse relation to the longitudi nal axes of the beaded edges thereby preventing binding action of the runners there with.

A further object of my provide means whereby t invention is to e device may be 1924. Serial No. 728,446.

applied to curtains or flaps where'it is desired to sepa ate the same without physical detachment, or in other words, whereby assembly and disasseinbly may be made in the absence of anyinitial permanent connection 1: dis-connection. I

The device of my invention has many othersfeatures which will be more fully de scribed in connection with the accompany ing drawings and which will be more par ticularly pointed out in and bythe appended claims.

In the drawings Fig. 1. is an outside face view of the device applied to two companion flaps or ourtains having beaded edges.

Fig. 2, is an inside face view of the same with a portion of the closure strip omitted.

Fig. 3, is an enlarged sectional view-on line 33 of. Fig. 1..

Fig. 4, is a View in side elevation of one of my improved runners.

Fig. 5, is a front view showing the application of the device of my invention to a shoe or over-shoe.

Fig. 6, is a sectional view on line 6-6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7, is a detail end view of one form of runner, .or lever therefor.

Fig. 8, is a detail view of another form of runner lever. Y

Fig. 9, is a view in side elevation of one end portion of a runner lever.

Fig. 10, is an end view thereof.

Fig. 11, is a view in side elevation show ing the application of my invention to the curtains of a sleeping car.

Fig. 12, is a view of a pair of said curtains showing how one thereof canbe dis-connected from the other.

Fig. 13, is a rear view of the curtains shown in Fig. 12.

Like characters of reference designate similar parts throughout the different figures of the drawings.

First referring to Figs. 1 to 4, 1 desiguates companion flap portions which may be the front flaps of a tent or any structure having flap portions to be closed. These flaps are provided with heads 2, which, as usual, are formed by doubling back the margins 3, about a filler 4, and stitching the margins as indicated at In this particular form, the flaps 1 are connected at the top, as by means of a grommet 6. ,A closure strip 7, is shown secured at its upper end to any desired or accessible fixed part of the structure, and I find it convenient to employ the grommet (3, for this purpose. This closure strip preferably extends back of the beaded flaps 1 and throughout the length of the latter. It will be seen that the strip 7 extends laterally of and on both sides of the beaded edges of the flaps for a considerable distance, which is a feature to be presently described.

I will next refer to my improved runnerswhich are novel in themselves, and also in combination with the foregoing.

This improved runner, as shown, includes ahead 8, from which extends in opposite directions a pair of girdles 9, opening our.- wardly to receive and embrace the heads 2. Each girdle is provided with anti-friction terminals which preferably consist of enlargements which desirably take the form of spherical bodies 10 and 11. The distance 12, between the balls or ball-like terminals 10 and 11 is so proportioned with respect to the size of the balls and the thickness of the doubled fabric that either a snug or looseplay engagement will result. I have shown, in Fig. 3, a relatively snug engagement of the opposing peripheries with the fabric; however, in view of certain noval features to be presently explained, a wide degree of latitude in this respect is afforded as the runners will work with the same facility if there is even one thirty-second of an inch play between the opposing peripheries of the balls 10 and 11, and the interposed fabric. The only pie-requisite is that the balls 10 and 11 must be close enough so that the beaded edges or beads 2, cannot be withdrawn from between the same laterally of the longitudinal axes of said beads. The normal action of the flaps 1, is to spread outwardly, as indicated by the arrows of Fig. 3. Hence, the balls 10 and 11 not only engage the interposed fabric but also the outer surfaces of the beads 2.

It will now be clear that the terminals ll) and 11 function truly as anti-friction elements because, in any event, and in any relative position of the parts, these elements always present spherical, rounded or curved surfaces to the interposed fabric and beads with no sharp edges or corners to wear-off the surface and thereby deface the fabric. And further, they afford the freest possible movement, as I have completely demonstrated in actual practice. This advantage is of the utmost importance in a structure such as companion flaps wherein the connection and dis-connection of the same are accompanied by thrusts which tend to disaline and move the coacting parts wholly out of normal relative relation. Because of these spherical terminals, it may truly be said that the runners are always pivoted to the beads irrespective of the relative disalinement of the runners with respect to the beads and the strip.

\Vhile I have achieved imimarsurable advantages from this improved type of antifriction terminal, which I believe to be novel in itself, I will next describe a further novel and interdependent feature which coacts with this novel form of terminal not only to more completely facilitate free sliding movement but also to more completely localize whatever friction or traction there is, almost wholly on the ball engagement with the fabric.

As will be clearly seen in Fig. 3, I form the girdles 9, of a diameter or size so relatively greater than the size of the beads, in cross section, that the girdles very loosely embrace the beads 2 in such a spaced clear-- ance manner as not to contact with them at all, in anything like normal positions. This construction, as will now be clear, permits of a very considerable shift of the runners out of a true transverse relation as shown in Fig. 1, without any binding resistance that is appreciable. Thus I reduce wear and friction to a minimum.

In the form shown in Figs. 3 andet, the head 8 is provided with means for connec tion with the closure strip 7, which is in the form of a loop having bars 13 and 1 1, connected at their ends at 15. I prefer [0 thread the strip 7 through the loop and it will be noted that the strip 7 is of a width to substantially equal the length of the slot. It will be further noted that the loop is elongated and extends for some distance laterally of the ball ends of the girdles The strip is suitably fastened to the loop and as shown, I prefer to crimp or deform the loop. as indicated at 10, near the side edges of the strip 7 and at the ends of the loop. I may, if desired also upset the metal at 17, as a further anchorage.

It will now be clear that the projecting ends of the loop constitute levers, and that by reason of the fact that these levers are seiured to the strip, and as the latter is the element whereby the runners are advanced to a flap closing position, that considerable leverage will be exerted by the strip 7, to hold the runners to a true transverse relation to the beads, thereby insuring absolute freedom from binding action of the runners with the beads. It is also a feature to interpose the metal or material of the runner between the flaps 1 and strip 7, so that adjacent the runners, there cannot be any friction contact of fabric against fabric, since, as clearly shown in Fig. 3, the bar 13 extends completely across the flap side of strip 7.

In Figs. 7 and 8, I have shown what is the equivalent of the bar 13, Without the loop, the bar 18 having a pointed end 19, adapted to be bent over into crimped relation with the edge of the strip 7. In Figs. 9 and 10, the bar 20, terminates at the side edge of the strip 7, and a staple 21 is extended through the strip 7, the ends of the staple being bent around the end of bar 20. .l'lowever, in all these forms, it will be seen that I have levers-0n the runners which coact with the strip 7 tohold the runners in transverse relation to the beads.

In Figs. 5 and 6, I have shown the device of my invention applied to foot gear preferably an over-boot or shoe as generally indicated at 22. The flaps 23, are provided on their companion edges with beads 24 ex tending from the crotch 25 to the top of the upper of the boot. A closure strip 26, is fastened or anchored, preferably near the crotch 25 and extends upwardly as shown to close the space between the beads 24. Anti friction runners '27, in all respects like the runners shown in Fig. 4, without a loop, are employed, and they preferably have a bar like 18 or 20, and are fastened to the strip .26, as already described in connection with Figs. 7 to 10. All the advantages set forth in connection with Figs. 1 to 4, are also present in this form of the invention and need not be recapitulated. In order to provide a means of holding the strip 26 in a closing position, as shown in Fig. 6, it is a feature of my invention to enlarge or thicken the beads 24, at 28, in a manner to form an obstruction passed which it will require some effort to advance the upper runner. After the upper runner 27 .'has been forced into this position, it will be friclionally held and cannot slip or work downwardly.

Reference will next be made to Figs. 11 to 13, wherein I have shown the application of my invention to Pullman car use in those types wherein upper and lower'berths are ea h provided with separate curtains.

In Fig. 11, I have shown the berths made up, the lowers being generally designated at 29 and the uppers at 30. I have shown an upper curtain rod at 31 and a lower ourtain rod at 32, which now form the usual equipment. Partitions 33, 34 and 35, divide off the upper berth compartments A and B and the lower compartments C and I). In accordance with the present practice, curtain 36, having hooks 37, slidable on pole 31, encloses the right hand half of upper berth A and the left hand half of up per berth B. Curtain 37, encloses the left hand half of upper A, and the right hand half of the next upper berth to the left of partition 33. All the curtains have hooks slidable on the poles 31 and 32. The curtain 38, encloses the right hand half of up per berth B and the left hand half of the next upper to the right of partition 35. These above named curtains overhang the tops of corresponding curtains 46, 27 and 48, which are arranged in a like manner and for a like function and. therefore need not be described in detail. Now in taking these curtains down, they must be separated from each other, and when again put up, they must be connected.

I will therefore now describe that novel feature of my invention whereby the samemethods of manipulating these curtains may be continued, and how the device of my invention may be applied thereto with great advantages.

Referring to Figs. 12 and 13, 49 designates a closure strip which is secured at 50 to curtain 36, but which is not in any way secured to curtain 37. I have shown at 51, a stiffened upper margin so that the strip 49 will hang as true as though it were secured to both curtains. The companion edges of the curtains are provided with beads 52 and 53. In this form of the invention, I prefer to employ the same type of runner shown in Fig. 4, and applied to strip 49, in the same manner, the runners 54 being secured in suitable spaced relation to strip 49. The loops of runners 54, are shown at 55.

In putting up the curtains, assuming-for instance that curtain 36 had been hung, then curtain 37, would have itsbead 53 threaded endwise into sliding connection with runners 54, as shown, until in the position shown in Fig. 11, whereupon the hooks would thereafter support curtain 37 on pole 31. After the curtains are hung, then the occupant of the berth, by taking hold of the lower end of strip 49, can slide the runners 54, into the position shown at u per berth B, to gain access or egress to or From the berth, or for any other purpose. When the curtains are closed, the occupant of the berth is secure in privacy. It will be understood that dis-connection of the curtains will be effected in the reverse manner to that just described.

lVhile I have shown strip 7, in Fig. 1, secured to both flaps 1, it will be understood that broadly speaking, one end of the strip is supported and anchored, and that I do not wish to be limited to the specific anchorage shown in Fig. 1. However, I claim the specific anchorage in Figs. 11 to 13, of strip 49, to only one of the companion curtains, as a distinct feature of novelty. Thus, in all the forms shown, one end of the closure strip is supported against endwise movement in one direction.

lVhile I have herein shown and described specific forms of my invention, I do not wish to be limited thereto except for such limitations as the claims may import.

1. The combination with companion flap portions provided with beaded edges, of a series of runners having sliding connection with said edges and provided with loops, and a closure strip threaded through said loops and being held thereby in a position to close the space between said edges, said loops being crimped or dellormed against said strip to anchor the latter to the former.

2. The combination with companion flap portions having beaded edges, of a series of runners having girdles loosely embracing said beaded edges and provided with antifriction spherical terminals, and means for holding said runners in spaced relation.

3. The con'ibination with companion flap portions having beaded edges, of a series of runners having girdles loosely embracing said beaded edges and provided with enlarged anti-friction terminals, and means for holding said runners in spaced relation.

4. The combination with companion flap portions provided with beaded edges, a series of runners having girdles loosely embracing said beaded edges and provided with anti-friction terminals, said runners having elongated lever ends extending laterally of said beaded edges, and a closure strip closing the space between said beaded edges and having its lateral margins secured to sald lever ends whereby the resulting leverage and said anti-friction terminals will hold said runners free from binding engagement with said beaded edges.

5. The combination with companion flaps having beaded edges, of a series of runners having sliding connection with said beaded edges, a closure strip connected with and held by said runners acrossthe space between said beaded edges, and one end of said strip being secured to one of said flaps whereby the beaded edge of the remaining flap may be threaded into or out of sliding connection with said runners.

6.-A flexible structure having companion flaps provided with beaded edges, a closure strip secured to said structure, and a series of runners in sliding connection with said beaded edges and secured to said closure strip, endmost portions of said flaps having enlargements in the path of the endrwt runner to frictionally hold all of said runners and said strip in a flap closing position.

7. As an article of manufacture of the class described, a runner having oppositely opening bead girdles provided with enlarged rounded anti-friction terminals.

8. As an article of manufacture of the class described, a runner having oppositely opening bead girdles provided with antif'riction spherical terminals.

9. As an article of manufacture of the class described, a runner having bead embracing girdles and provided with strip attaching levers having terminals adapted to be bent to secure said levers to a strip.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I hereby afiix my signature.

FREDERICK O. BERG. 

